International Women’s Day in Ocala

Manal Fakhoury, right, speaks as Barbara Fitos, left listens during the Ollin Women International celebration of International Women’s Day at the Klein Conference Center at the College of Central Florida in Ocala, Fla. on Friday, March 8, 2024. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2024.

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Posted March 11, 2024 | By Susan Smiley-Height, susan@magnoliamediaco.com

The International Women’s Day Celebration and luncheon held March 8 at the College of Central Florida’s Klein Center in Ocala honored the careers of local women in law and government. The sold-out event was hosted by Ollin Women International.

The honorees were Tania Bartolini, Janet Behnke, Sandra Edwards Champ, Yvonne Hayes Hinson, Lena Hopkins, Marianne Howanitz, Judy Johnson, Susan S. King, LeeAnn Mackey-Barnes, Sonya Nasser, Pamela Olsen, Sarah Ritterhoff Williams and Tara Woods.

According to materials provided by Manal Fakhoury, president of Ollin Women International, here are some highlights for each honoree:

Janet Behnke has been an attorney in Ocala since 1972 and served from 1994 to 1995 as a Marion County Court Judge. She was the first female to practice law in the Fifth Judicial Circuit, which includes Marion, Lake, Sumter, Hernando and Citrus counties. She has served as a member of the Marion County School Board, is a charter member of the Altrusa Club of Ocala, was president of the Marion County Bar Association, the Ocala/Marion County Chamber of Commerce and the Florida School Board Attorney’s Association.

LeeAnn Mackey-Barnes was elected as a Marion County Court Judge in November 2022 and is the only Black female currently serving in the Fifth Judicial Circuit. She was a criminal defense and mental health lawyer for 20 years and a former special education teacher. She was chief assistant attorney for the circuit’s public defender and helped establish the county’s Veterans Treatment and Mental Health court programs. Her civic involvements include the Florida High School Athletic Association, Kiwanis Club, Ocala Women’s Network, Marion County Children’s Alliance, Pace Center for Girls and Ollin Women International.

Lena Hopkins Smith is the senior manager of pro bono services with Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida, which serves low-income and vulnerable residents. She serves on the board of the National Association of Pro Bono Professionals and is a two-time recipient of the statewide Kay Myers Pro Bono Service Award. She also has served on the boards of Habit for Humanity, Central Florida Community Action Agency, Greater Ocala Community Development Corporation, Marion County Continuum of Care, Marion County Children’s Alliance Family Violence Prevention Workgroup and Community With A Heart.

Judy Johnson has been an English teacher, counselor at the University of Florida College of Education, attorney for Leon County Schools, associate general counsel for Florida State University and attorney in private practice. She has served on the Alachua County School Board and Marion County Board of County Commissioners. She was president of the Florida League of Women Voters and Florida Association of Counties. Her involvement also includes the Public Policy Institute, Early Learning Coalition, Ocala Women’s Network, Appleton Museum Advisory Council and Florida Credit Union.

Mariane Howanitz is a practicing trial attorney and former public defender in the criminal justice system and former insurance defense attorney in the civil justice system. She has been active in the Marion County chapter of the Florida Association of Women Lawyers for more than 30 years and was named a Leader in the Law in 2012 by that organization. She also is involved with Take Stock in Children, Junior Achievement, Marion County Literacy Council and Pace Center for Girls.

Pamela Olsen is an accident and personal injury attorney who has been in private practice in Ocala for more than 20 years. In addition to a juris doctorate, she holds a master’s degree in mental health counseling. She is a recipient of numerous awards in her field and has supported many nonprofit events and causes. She is focused on empowering women and delving into coaching and personal development.

Sandra Edwards Champ retired as the senior circuit judge for the Fifth Judicial Circuit following a decades-long distinguished career. She was the female and first Black elected as a Marion County Judge. She formerly worked as a teacher, staff attorney for Legal Services, senior attorney for the Florida Department of Transportation, was a private attorney, a faculty member of the Judicial College and a member of the U.S. Judicial Delegation to Russia/Estonia, Budapest and Prague. She is a past board member of the YMCA, Public Policy Institute, college mentorship and community housing programs.

Sarah Ritterhoff Williams served for nearly 37 years in the legal profession, retiring as a county judge in 2021. She has served as a public defender and state attorney. Her community and professional affiliations include Take Stock in Children, Altrusa International, Rotary, YMCA and various committee and advisory roles with the Marion County Bar Association and the Florida Prosecuting Attorneys Association. She currently serves as senior judge as needed.

Sonay Nasser has a background in law, government and real estate. A mediation attorney in her legal profession, she also served as a business analyst for the city of Ocala and now is a real estate broker and serves on the Fifth Judicial Circuit Grievance Committee. She is an avid supporter of arts in the community and is on the board of the Reilly Arts Center/Ocala Symphony Orchestra. She also is involved with the Ocala Women’s Network, American Heart Association and Appleton Museum of Art.

Susan King has more than 20 years of legal experience and is the managing attorney for the statewide Guardian ad Litem office, for the Fifth Circuit based in Ocala. She has served as a mentor and community advocate. She is a Zumba instructor and serves in music and dance ministry.

Tania Bartolini is an attorney, speaker, and business coach, consultant and owner. The majority of her law practice is in the areas of business, contracts and real estate. She has been a TEDx Ocala speaker and is involved with the Florida Bar Association, Florida Association of Women Lawyers, American Heart Association, the Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership and Ollin Women International.

Tara Woods is a veteran of more than 30 years with the Ocala Police Department. She began her career as a community service officer after securing her law enforcement certification and advanced degrees in criminology and criminal justice. She was the first Black detective and first Black female to serve as a detective in the Major Crimes unit. In 2016, she became the first Black female promoted to major of the Community Policing and Special Operations Bureau. She retired in 2021 but has since returned to serve in a civilian role as Community Liaison Coordinator.

Yvonne Hayes Hinson is the Florida State Representative for District 21. She has been an educator and school principal, served as a City of Gainesville Commissioner and was a small business owner. In the legislature, her focus is on families and investment in public schools, well-paying jobs, a livable wage and access to quality and attainable/affordable housing. She is involved with NAACP local initiatives.

To learn more, go to ollinwomen.org